Ft. Lauderdale: Decriminalize Homelessness!

To call the Ft. Lauderdale Commission office and tell Mayor Trantalis to say “no” to the camping ordinance that would criminalize poverty, call 954-828-5004. The Mayor and the commission will vote this coming Tuesday, May 5th

In May 2014, the City of Fort Lauderdale passed one of many “no camping” laws across the country. The original ordinance (section 16-31) would give law enforcement the jurisdiction to arrest someone who is homeless. Currently, the fine for someone who is homeless is $500 and up to 30 days in jail if they receive a citation from law enforcement.

Vice Mayor Robert McKinzie recommended the call up to expand the measure. The amendment would include his district and prevent those who are homeless from being within 1,000 ft. of any childcare facilities.

The final vote was scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, but was postponed until May 5th due to COVID-19 and the person’s most affected inability to join a conference call. More information on the ordinance can be found on the links below.